Walking "Mombie"

I love Mia, I really and truly do. She is very lucky that this is a truth. Very lucky.

I hate today thanks to my little bug waking up. She will wake up frequently, but last night takes the cake. Apparently 11pm on a work night = time to party  for Mia. Since she was awake and I couldn't get her to sleep using ANY of my tricks, I decided to change her so her diaper was only 5 lbs in the morning, rather than her usual 10 lbs. When I went into her room, she got all excited because she saw all the toys she had been playing with that I left on the floor. Oh boy.

I left the lights on low and then turned them off when I heard her giggle. I bounced her back to sleep (yes, bounced, we're back to that again for some terrible reason) and gently laid her down. One...Two...Cry!!!! Ok, here we go again, rocked to sleep..one...two...Cry!!! Ok, I give up, hang out in your crib, little one, and enjoy your rainforest show, courtesy of Nana. I'm laying on the floor and going to sleep.

Ok, it was kind of cute lookin up to see her peeking down at me from the bars in her crib. What the heck, though?! She loves that thing but she'd rather look at me. More crying. She can see mommy but just can't get to her! I "rescue" the princess and lull her back to sleep again. The pacifier drops out, the arm lays limp sprawled out and she looks so peaceful. Oh, my precious baby, I think we can finally sleep. In case she wakes up I choose to sleep on the floor next to her crib all cuddled together. She's beautiful when she sleeps. Uh, oh! My arm's falling asleep. I'll just geeeently put her down. Oh no! She's wiggling! Stop! Stop! Take a paci! Do it! Please, stay asleep!!!! ......Cry!!!! I failed again. I've given up. She wants to play. We'll play. Why not? It's almost 1am and it seems like a great thing to do. Maybe it'll stretch out my aching back from all the bouncing, rocking and cradling I've done.

Down to the living room we go! Wait. Mia's mad at me? What? She wanted to play but all of a sudden she has decided that I am the one forcing her to play?! I'm trying to keep her quiet because Bruce has to get up ealry. He asked if I wanted help but I said "no" because I was giving in. Now that I've given in, she wants nothing to do with playing. I can't win. I hated to do, but I did it. I nursed her to sleep (which didn't work when she woke up the first time 2 hours earlier). Ok, she looked blissfully asleep. Now, what should I do? Should I stay in the man chair? No. Should I move to the couch and recline it? No. Should I move to her bedroom? Ok, I have a pillow and a blanket and I was able to put her down but kept her close so she would be less likely to wake up. Victory? Wait for it.....ok, she's still asleep after 20 minutes. Time for me to try to sleep too.

Cue 3am. Can you break your muscles in your back. I'm pretty sure the spine is intact since I didn't collapse into a lumpy heap when I stood up. The pain could only be from breaking muscles, right? Ok, another decision. Should I risk moving her for my comfort which may be foiled by her waking up? 15 minutes after trying to get more comfortable, which was IMPOSSIBLE on a wooden floor (except for an infant, of course), I decided it was worth the risk. I had to shove that blasted paci in her face once but it popped right back out once she got all snuggly with me in our bed (after poking Bruce to move over - he thought he could just move right into the center!). Ahhh. She slept and slep and slept. If I didn't have to go to work this morning, I think  she would have slept in. She'd be a tired girl after her late night in all.

When I did wake her, she was all grumpy about it. Really? Whatever.


My darling didn't stop there though. She blew out in the car. Again. Why do I even bother dressing her. She was super cute today too ...oh, sorry "beary cute" with a bow and everything. What am I supposed to do? Drive her around so she can poop so I can go someplace with her dressed without getting poop everywhere? I may have to. This may also have been the reason she didn't sleep well earlier in the night. Or it could be because she's 4 months old and onery. Who knows.

I tried to add some funny cartoons but I'm at work and my work browser is ancient. Maybe I can add the cartoons when I get home. Or not. I wake at 5am to work 7-5:30 and I get home between 6:15-6:30 (depending on whether I have to feed Mia before we leave daycare or not). I have to clean bottles, pump parts, pack my lunch, cook dinner, eat dinner, get Mia in a bath today but usually do bedtime routine of lotion/massage, nakey time and playing, pj's, read a book, sleep sack on, say good night to daddy, nurse Mia, sing lullabies and pray she stays alseep til morning, take a quick shower, get her milk ready for the next day, pack my bags and then collapse into bed between 8:30-9:30, depending on how difficult it is to get Mia to sleep and to stay asleep.

You Asked For It, You Got It

More videos...

Cute, short video of Mia practicing her holding skills. She's a genius, I'm tellin' ya!


We had some down time in our hotel room in Atlanta. The first minute or so is just good ole' Mia in action, but then we get into some really cute FOOTage. Get it? Well, maybe when you've watched it you'll get it.


There is no better sound than a baby giggle. This next video has some of that since Ryan and Mia are playing together. So cute

Ack! She Just Keeps Growing!

Our baby just turned 4 months on September 4th. Today, she bit me! She has a tooth that popped up! How could it be? We were just at the doctors who just told us that 6-8 months is more average. She's 4 months!

Here's my brag list:

* Mia is turning front to back and back to front like crazy
* She is trying to pull her self up from the bouncer at daycare
* She wants to sit up all the time (not quite on her own yet, though)
* Mia is spinning in circles on her belly
* She is laughing and "talking" with the other babies at daycare
* She is a smiling machine!
* She continues to coo and goo, squeal, laugh and shriek
* Mia's helping me turn pages in books
* Mia wants to grab everything and put it in her mouth
* She likes to practice standing while we support her
* She had her first airplane ride and it went splendidly.
* Mia made friends with everyone in Atlanta - hotel staff, restaurant staff, strangers in the bathroom

Brag Pictures:

 Waiting at the doctor's office for her 4 mo visit

 After being weighed - 13 lb 7 oz, 26 in

 Passing the time by using Daddy's ties as reigns

 " I'm gonna eat you!"

 "I know I'm cute."

 Notice the giant drool spot on Bruce's sweater

 Couldn't you eat her up?

 Favorite toy at daycare

 "My Great Grandma gave me a cute bunny!"

 "Pardon me. What'd you say?"

 "I'm 4 months today!"

 Waiting for her first airplane ride

 Excited about seeing the dolphin show ~ that's my girl

 Some down time in the hotel room with the big brother

 Scary little sister face

 Playing with Braedyn

 Tummy time at daycare

 cant' stop taking pictures of my cutest lunch date ever

 "Do you see him trying to steal my toy?!"

 "Yay! Mommy's here for lunch!"

The reason Mia doesn't nap mornings at daycare!

If I Could Freeze These Moments

I don't know why but I've been struck quite often these last few days by how much I would love to bottle up these moments with Mia. I want to freeze every sense - how she smells, what she sounds like, how she feels, the way she looks (can I add in how she tastes? Haha, like wet fingers). I guess because I feel like I'm already forgetting things I want to take extra care to savor her.

I would freeze the moment of her birth when I first put my hands on her and told her I loved her. When I looked over at Bruce to see he had actually made it through my labor. How her little body felt against mine, all slimy and warm. 

I would freeze the night she was born when we were all alone and didn't sleep a wink. I felt so awkward holding her and unwrapping her so we could lay skin to skin because it's supposed to make babies feel better. We were still both dirty because no one said it was time for us to bathe! We watched the sun rise over Tacoma so it was all pink and purple in the sky - perfect colors to start my baby girl's first day.

I would freeze the nights when she would only sleep on us so Bruce and I took turns holding her throughout the night.

I would freeze the moments when I rock her to sleep and she rests her head on my chest and pulls my arm over her ears and she wants me to rub her head. She snuggles in and listens to me sing to her or she hums herself to sleep. I never want to stop rocking her. I would do it forever if I didn't have other things to tend to.

I would freeze the moments she is nursing and she looks up at me and gives me a huge smile.

I would freeze the sounds her of her giggles, squeals and screeches and her smile is so huge.

I would freeze the first everything ~ giggle, roll, spin, grabbing her pacifier, coos, pulling herself into a sitting position.....

I know I can't hold onto these moments forever, especially since there will be so many to want to hold onto. I guess all I can do is revel in the moments as they happen and, as my dad is always pointing out, I can write it down so that she can be the most documented baby in history. That way, when she calls me up one day asking about having a newborn, I can refer back to the many notes I have taken and say "You were the same way, bug." (Side note, it's still super crazy to think that my potential grandchild is already inside of her, waiting for the other half).

I wonder if people can tell that I'm in love with being a mom of this little one. I couldn't have imagined how much you could love someone until I found out she was on her way.

Just Can't Get Enough?

You've come to the right place. Here are more pictures and video of Mia:

 I'm gonna eat you!!

 He he he. Just kidding.

 What?!

 I love the camera

 Look what I get to play with

 So tired from playing in my new toy...so is daddy!

 Ok, I'm up, more playing please!

 I'm "So Beary Cute"

 I just can't stop moving!

 Ready for my after-bath massage

 This is a good place for sleeping.

 Look what Grampy and Mommy made when I spit up all over my activity mat.

 Good morning! Don't you think my robe is purr-fect?

 There can never be enough smile photos, right?

Such a happy baby. 

Mia's Big Week

Dear Fans,

I have hacked my mommy and daddy's computer to tell you about my big week from my own perspective. Shhh, don't tell them.

This was a big week for me. It was the first time I went to the zoo. We went on Labor Day because we had to go before the clouded leopards left. Daddy said we had to go because he donated like a million dollars to support them. It was busy so I was in heaven. I could look at little people, big people, animals, plants and all sorts of fun places. My first stop was the bathroom. Mommy was a little upset that she got me all dressed in an animal onesie for me to just go and poop all over it before we even got inside the zoo. Mommy then got mad at me because I tried to get off the changing table because there were so many people to look at. I couldn't help myself. After she wrangled some new clothes on me we were off to look at animals and other creatures. Mommy called these creatures 'toddlers.' Very interesting. Lots of talking and screaming coming from them and they moved around so much and got to climb and jump and fall. I'm thinking I want to be a 'toddler' one day. I really liked the aquarium and looking at the people looking at animals in the cages. I was soooo excited, I exhausted myself and couldn't stay awake any longer. We would have stayed all day but my big brother had to go school shopping. I like shopping. Lots of people and lights to look at.

This is my mad face. I don't wanna get changed!

 I calmed down.

 Me and daddy looking in the fun mirror.

 Me peeking at the wallaby.

 We're so silly :)

 My big brother, Ryan, in the hurricane simulator. He said it kind of hurt his ears. Oops. There should be a warning label or something.

 whoa, that's a big fish tank

 Daddy is showing me the animals.

 Me, Mommy and big brother, Ryan.

 Here we are again. We're leaving but we needed a picture to remember my first trip.

I stayed home with mommy the next day and played with my favorite toys. Mommy was getting all weird and teary eyed. She was packing for daycare. She called daycare and asked if she could come in soooo, in the afternoon we visited my new school. We met my teacher, Ms Nicole, and looked around my class room, checked out my crib and found out my color is going to be green. I would have preferred yellow but this boy, Braeden, got my color. Mommy cried some more. I don't know what her problem was. This place was awesome. There's an exersaucer, swing, toys, activity mat and other babies to meet! Silly mommy.

The next day we went to Nana's for lunch. I slept half the time. I do that. Good thing they didn't wake me or I would have shown them what cranky was. After, we went to Grampy's and me and mommy slept on some chairs outside. I love to fall asleep listening to boats go by and waves slopping against the beach. I was in heaven. I visited with Grampy who tells me I'm too hot to handle for too long. I don't know what he's talking about. I think he's too hot. Whatever, put me under that fan. I always want to look at that. Oh, and to see how much people love me I decided to spit up all over Grampy and Grammy's floors, pillows, bedding and maybe I got some skin. He he.

I woke up really early Thursday morning and yelled at mommy. She had the gall to change my clothes! At 5am! What was she thinking? I showed her and didn't go back to sleep after I took my sweet time eating breakfast. I tried to stay asleep for so long but I couldn't do it. I usually get out of bed around 9am, you know. Next thing I know, I'm at my day care meeting a new teacher, Ms Alla. Mommy was a blubbering mess. I didn't know Ms Alla so I was glad mommy stayed with me for awhile so I could wake up a bit and say "Hi" to the other babies.  Ms Alla stole me from mommy (according to her) and put me down to play with the other babies. I know mommy was trying to be quiet, but it was obvious it was her peeking through the hole from the other room and sniffling and blowing her nose. I showed her that I was happy by giggling. I was thinking, "Get out of here, mommy. I'm fine and I'll see you at lunch!")

Here I am, checking out my new crib even though I am really, really sleepy.

 It's cool because I can see myself in the plexiglass.

I was soo happy to see mommy came early for lunch and spent a whole 2 hours with me. We played and she talked to my teacher, Ms Nicole. I could tell mommy felt a lot better about leaving me at daycare now that she had a good chunk of time to talk to Ms Nicole. And mommy said she wanted to make me and my new friends new mobiles for our cribs because the other mobiles are way ghetto. Mommy said she was going to try to stay at work when she had 3pm open but if she couldn't help herself she would come visit. My friend Braedyn left and mommy knew it would just be me and Ms Nicole so she was able to contain herself and stayed at work. When she came to pick me up Ms Nicole and I were going on a walk. I'm trying to teach my teacher that I need to socialize and look around when I get bored of our little  room. She seems to be a quick learner so I think we'll get along just fine. When mommy gathered all my things and brought me to the car she wouldn't put me in my car seat for forever. She said she needed to run the AC, but I think she just wanted to make up for all the kissing time she had missed during the day. Man did I get a lot of kisses.

My new favorite lunch date - Mommy! 

Mommy decided on Friday that she wanted a Mommy and Mia day. That meant, instead of going on a walk in the neighborhood, we went to the zoo again. Yippeee, I got to go to the aquarium again. Since there weren't a lot of people I got to look at the big tropical fish tank for a long time. This time we also saw sharks, I saw the walrus poop right in my face, little wolves got fed. I fell asleep before the red wolves and mommy said the wolf pups were out running around. I just couldn't help myself. I was all snuggled with mommy in her carrier and it warm out and she was rhythmically walking around. Who wouldn't fall asleep? We went home for mommy to eat lunch and I got the best surprise ever! Daddy was off work early so we got to hang out. Mommy was getting jealous that I was giggling and laughing so much with daddy. He's so funny with all the funny sounds he makes and funny faces. Poor mommy, she tries, but she's just not like daddy. Auntie D and Uncle Mike came over and I showed them how I can screech like a big girl now. I think they were impressed. They should be, I'm pretty good at it.

Ready to see some animals!!!

 

So excited, I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. 

 

Mommy tells me that we'll go for a boat ride with Grampy tomorrow. We've been so busy. I hope I see Nana this weekend too. I love my peeps.

Love,
           Mia